Information Page: Spit Evolution

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Key Attributes

Short Description

Grade level:
Under graduate (13-16), Graduate / Professional

Statement:
Coastline evolution

Abstract:
Cuspate spits are here simulated with the Coastline Evolution Model (CEM) of Andrew Ashton.
Sediment transport occurs under the influence of longshore transport that is driven by wave action.
Coastal spits form and built out with time, the colors are coded for depositional age.
In this particular animation the incoming far-field wave distribution is weighted so that high angles with the shoreline are dominant, and the wave direction is predominantly from the left.